An independent advisory council
selects the recipients of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards.
The 2009 advisory council members are Mayor Gerry Furney, Port McNeill; Mayor Mary Sjostrom, Quesnel; George Puil of Vancouver(2008 recipient); Sharon Smithof Houston and Grace Wongof Vancouver (2006 Recipient).

Ray Abernethy,
Burnaby

Ray Abernethy is the founder of Helping Families In
Need Society, a not-for-profit organization supporting families in need in the
Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. A volunteer for over 18 years, Ray’s
dedication to helping struggling families by collecting and distributing
household items positively impacts thousands of lives in his community.

Tibor Baldauf, GibsonsTibor Baldauf has challenged three generations of swimmers to do
their very best both in athletics and in their lives, instilling in each of
them a strong work ethic. A volunteer, Tibor has coached swimmers on the
Sunshine Coast at the Chinook Swim Club for over 20 years.

Pamela Beech,
Sicamous

Pamela Beech is a committed community leader in
Sicamous. Her participation in youth projects, healthy living projects,
workshops on affordable housing and as an advocate for both youth and seniors
demonstrates that one person can make a difference in a community.

Roger Behn, Chase

Roger Behn’s legacy for the community of Chase is his
leadership both in the establishment of the regional library system and for the
ongoing success of the Chase and District Museum and Archive Society. Roger
spearheaded the museum’s permanent home ensuring the preservation of Chase’s
unique and diverse history.

Alex Bracewell,
Tatlayoko Lake

Alex Bracewell has championed accessible tourism
opportunities in the Cariboo Chilcotin for persons with disabilities and others
with accessibility challenges. Alex was instrumental in the development of the
innovative Tatlayoko Lake Accessible Community Wilderness Trail, an outdoor
recreation area enjoyed by both visitors and the community.

Jack Carlisle, North
Vancouver

Since 1994, Jack Carlisle has been an advocate and
donor in furthering prostate cancer research, treatment, awareness and patient
support. An active member and leader of the North Shore Prostate Cancer Group,
Jack has also volunteered with the BC Foundation for Prostate Disease, the VGH
& UBC Hospital Foundation and the Canadian Prostate Cancer Research
Initiative.

Joyce Carlson, Powell
River

A leader in her community of Powell River, Joyce
Carlson, publisher of the Powell River Peak, is a committed volunteer, serving
the Powell River and District United Way, the Powell River Festival for the
Performing Arts, the Powell River 2007 Disability Games Society, and the Powell
River Ayjoomixw Spirit of BC Community Committee. Joyce is a driving force involved in the
fabric and future of her community.

Sam Carter, West
Vancouver

With insight and vision, Sam Carter has successfully
promoted the arts of British Columbia. Artist, curator, educator, mentor and advocate
for applied art and design, Sam has established links between Canada and
Pacific Rim regions, documented and sited public art legacies and guided and
inspired hundreds of young B.C. artists.

Dolly Cartwright,
West Vancouver

For half a century, Dolly Cartwright has actively
volunteered in West Vancouver in the areas of health, youth and seniors. Dolly
has served on the board of North Shore Adults at Risk and currently serves as a
director of the North Shore Volunteers for Seniors and the Lionsview Seniors
Planning Society.

Carol Chapman,
Campbell River

Carol Chapman is a committed community volunteer in
Campbell River in the areas of health, fundraising, and community celebrations.
A longtime volunteer with the SPCA, Carol promotes and assists her community of
Campbell River with passion and energy.

Cynthia Chen,
Richmond

Cynthia Chen epitomizes community spirit and
generosity. Cynthia has served Richmond as a councillor, chair of the Richmond
Chamber of Commerce and president of the CHIMO Crisis Services. Cynthia’s
leadership in these and other organizations and causes has provided profound
benefits to her community.

Melinda Cheung, Fort
St. James

Melinda Cheung is the driving force in Fort St. James
of large and successful endeavours as well as hundreds of small generosities. From
community fundraising, events and health and healthy lifestyles, Melinda leads
and inspires others to contribute to the well-being of the community.

John (Jack) Collins,
Qualicum Beach

For 39 years, Jack Collins has played a vital role in
the development of Qualicum Beach. Jack has served as mayor, councillor and
volunteer in a range of areas including sustainable development initiatives,
historical restoration, sports and recreation activities, infrastructure
improvements and senior’s housing.

Gordon Comeau,
Princeton

For more than 26 years, Gordon Comeau has contributed
to education in the province and his community as a school trustee in School
District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen). Gordon served as president of the BC
School Trustees’ Association and has served as president of the Canadian School
Boards Association.

Johanna Coughlin,
Hope

Johanna Coughlin has made a significant contribution
to the District of Hope through her volunteer and community work. Johanna has
undertaken numerous civic responsibilities, environmental initiatives and
community recreation activities, and is an active member of the Hope Outdoor
Club.

Morna Edmundson,
Surrey

Through her 22 years of leadership as co-conductor of
Elektra Women’s Choir, her involvement in Coastal Sound Music Academy, and as administrative
director of Festival Vancouver, Morna has shown she is a gifted organizational
talent who leads by example, encouraging others to pursue their musical and
choral goals.

Darren Entwistle,
Vancouver

As president and CEO of TELUS, Darren Entwistle’s passion
for community involvement has instilled a spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism
across the company. Since 2000, the company and its team members have donated
more than $48 million in financial and in-kind contributions in British
Columbia. Darren’s leadership in TELUS community initiatives exemplifies a true
spirit of charity and corporate responsibility, and serves as a role model to
the B.C. business community.

Brad Field, Kelowna

Brad Field has made significant contributions to
Kelowna through his professional and volunteer work. An entrepreneur, Brad
established Pacific Safety Products in 1984 and more recently Trilogy Design
Works. Organizations such as the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, St. John’s Ambulance,
the Cops for Kids Foundation and the UBC Okanagan Library have benefited from
his business expertise and commitment.

Lori Fry, 100 Mile
House

Lori Fry is an active member of the regional,
provincial, and national Canadian Council of the Blind, where she has
volunteered for 18 years, raising public awareness about vision loss and
promoting equality for blind Canadians. Lori Fry also leads a vital program of
Aquafit classes providing therapy and rehabilitation for her community.

Paul Gauthier,
Vancouver

Paul Gauthier is the community capacity co-ordinator
for the BC Paraplegic Association. Paul is a leader and role model in the
disability community, a progressive thinker and a passionate advocate for
positive change.He strives to help
persons with disabilities to realize their goals through skills training,
community integration and successful independent living.

Janette Glover-Geidt,
Union Bay

Janette Glover-Geidt is chair of the Union Bay
Historical Society, and the driving force behind its purchase of the Union Bay
Post office and the restoration of the Union Bay old Gaol House.Janette’s leadership and inspiration has
motivated others to join with her in ensuring the preservation of Union Bay’s
history and its important buildings.

Gordon Hall, Pitt
Meadows

Gordon Hall, a first year student at the University of
Northern British Columbia, was known at Maple Ridge Secondary school for his
commitment to the betterment of both the student body and community as a whole.
Gordon is a role model for youth through his active volunteering in the areas
of physical fitness, literacy, fundraising and environment.

Patrick Kelly,
Vancouver

Patrick Kelly, a member of Leq'amel in
the Sto:lo Nation, has a 34-year history of community involvement and
public service. Working with BC Hydro and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada,
Patrick facilitated relationships with First Nations. Appointed a Lay Bencher
with the Law Society of BC in 2002, Patrick has also served his First Nation
community, the Mission area, the BC Buildings Corporation, and Vancouver
Community College.

Jim Kojima, Richmond

For 55 years, Jim Kojima has been active in Steveston
as volunteer and community leader. From the Steveston Community Centre, the
Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, Richmond Minoru Senior Centre, Richmond Sister
City Committee, and Richmond Seniors Games to his lifelong commitment to the
judo community, Jim’s contributions have impacted residents of all ages.

James MacCarthy, West
Vancouver

James MacCarthy’s drive and energy have made a
significant and lasting contribution to his North Shore community. James has
participated on the West Vancouver Memorial Library Board and Foundation, the
Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce. He has been instrumental in the
success of the Coho Society of the North Shore and particularly its programs
for its schools.

Susan Maile, Quesnel

For 40 years, Susan Maile has been committed to the
well being of Quesnel through her many years of service to the GR Baker Memorial
Hospital and its Auxiliary, its blood donor clinic, and its CT scanner
committee. Susan initiated and co-ordinated the Meals on Wheels program serving
seniors throughout Quesnel.

William (Bill)
McMichael, Vancouver

Bill McMichael works for positive change in the
Renfrew Collingwood community of Vancouver through involvement in Collingwood
Neighbourhood House and its programs and through civic committees focused on
healthy neighbourhoods. Bill also promotes literacy and the settlement of new
immigrants as part of his commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Don Montgomery,
Richmond

Don Montgomery is a leader in Metro Vancouver’s
multicultural community. Through his work at the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month
Society, Don promotes Asian-Canadian culture and cultural harmony. Don has also
been an active volunteer in civic and provincial committees that bridge
cultures and support co-operation.

Dawn Nedzelski,
Saanichton

Dawn Nedzelski’s vision, leadership and collaborative
approach at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, as manager of the acute care unit
and palliative care nursing and now as site director, have effected positive
changes for patients and staff in the delivery of health care in Saanich. Dawn
serves the community as a leader in the Saanich 4-H Horse Club.

Nick Panos, Vancouver

Nick Panos
has been a community supporter in the Vancouver neighbourhood of Kitsilano. A
member of the Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce, Nick has been involved in
the early stages of the Greek Day Festival as the founder and chairman. He
serves as president of the Hellenic Community of Vancouver and also president
of the National and Provincial Hellenic Canadian Congress.

Lui Passaglia,
Coquitlam

Lui Passaglia initiated programs on behalf of the BC Lions
that benefit children of all ages in the fields of literacy, fitness and
positive life decisions. The Read, Write and Roar program and the Lions in the
House program continue today as his legacies. Lui currently serves on
committees for the BC Lions Celebrity Golf Classic and the Orange Helmet Awards
Dinner, raising funds for community programs.

Connie Peters,
Abbotsford

Connie Peters co-ordinates an important outreach
program for single moms in her community called Open Door and extends her
support for the participants by providing assistance whenever necessary. She is
known as a role model throughout her community, and her contributions have
positively impacted the lives of individuals and benefited the community of
Abbotsford.

Marjorie Phelps,
Kitimat

Marjorie Phelps stands out for her active support of
organizations, events and people in her community. Marjorie chairs the local
Canadian Citizenship Council, has volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society
and serves as the president of the Food Bank. Marjorie meets the needs of her
community in kind, considerate and imaginative ways.

Marylynn Rakuson,
Warfield

Marylynn Rakuson creates opportunities for better
healthcare in B.C.’s interior community of Trail. An active member of Trail
Hospital Auxiliary, Marylynn has spearheaded positive initiatives through the
Trail Community Health Council, cancer related organizations, Interior Health
Clinical Ethics Committee, disabilities organizations and as area representative
for the West Kootenay Boundary Hospital Auxiliaries for the Health Association
of B.C.

John Ridley, Burnaby

John Ridley has a passion for helping others and
building community. John has been instrumental in the production and promotion
of Miracle Weekend, rallying his colleagues and the community in support of
this BC Children’s Hospital annual fundraising event. John has served on the
boards of Variety, the Children’s Charity and Big Brothers, Big Sisters
of Canada.

Thomas (Arden)
Robertson, Surrey

Arden Robertson has been a volunteer chaplain at Sunny
Hill Health Centre for Children for 50 years, where he interacts with the
children, their families and the staff with dignity and respect. Arden has also
dedicated more than 30 years to the Chapel Volunteer Group in the Pacific Region’s
federal prisons.

Muriel Stanley,
Dawson Creek

Muriel Stanley advocates for people affected by
dementia. Twenty years ago, Muriel helped establish the first Alzheimer’s
Support Group in Dawson Creek, an organization which has served as a model for
other communities. She is the support and education co-ordinator for the
Alzheimer Society of B.C. and serves her region with unwavering passion and
commitment.

Joe Sullivan,
Hazelton

From 1986 to 2001, Joe Sullivan dedicated countless
volunteer hours as wrestling coach and fundraiser at Hazelton Secondary School.
Joe saw sport as a way to build self-esteem and to encourage his students to
strive for a high level of achievement. Joe’s efforts in coaching have
produced two Canadian Olympic athletes.

Gurdeep Sundher,
Victoria

A pioneer in the Indo-Canadian community in Victoria,
Gurdeep Sundher has devoted 50 years to promoting tolerance and understanding.
Gurdeep has been an extraordinary volunteer in her community, serving on civic
committees, the India Canada Cultural Association and the Inter-Cultural
Association of Greater Victoria.

Sian Thomson,
Campbell River

Sian Thomson has contributed to the community of
Campbell River and North Vancouver Island through her work with youth,
seniors, men, women and families, living in poverty and with disabilities. In 1995,
Sian established Justice, Advocacy, Dignity and Empowerment (JADE) which has
become a respected and effective community organization for such issues as
homelessness, poverty and physical/mental challenges.

Elizabeth Wolak, Vancouver

Elizabeth Wolak is a pioneer in building the musical
traditions of Vancouver’s Jewish community. Since the 1960s, Elizabeth has
founded a number of choral groups including Shiron Singers, a group dedicated
to preserving and sharing the cultural richness of Jewish music. Through her
volunteer choral work, Elizabeth has enriched the lives of many.

Yosef Wosk, Vancouver

Dr. Yosef Wosk is
the director of interdisciplinary programs in the department of continuing studies
at Simon Fraser University and founder of both the Canadian Academy of
Independent Scholars and SFU’s Philosophers’ Café. Yosef is a generous
philanthropist supporting education, libraries, museums and programs enriching
the intellectual and artistic fabric of the community.

Martin (Marty)
Zlotnik, Vancouver

For over 40 years, Marty Zlotnik has contributed to
the success and development of UBC Athletic programs. As well, Marty has served
as chair of the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, co-chair of the Greater Vancouver
Open, chair of Kids Up Front Foundation and is a founding
director of Kids First Sports Foundation.

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Media

contact:

Bridgitte
Anderson

Press Secretary

Office of the Premier

604 307-7177

Nora
Newlands

Executive Director

British Columbia
Achievement Foundation

604 261-3348

For more information on government services or to
subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s
website at www.gov.bc.ca.